Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick Paris

Jun 11, 2021

A white 2021 Chevy Silverado is off-roading in the desert after leaving a Lexington Silverado dealer.

LT vs LTZ vs LT Trail Boss, what does it all mean? At times, GM’s trim names can be a little bit confusing, so this guide might help you understand them. You’ll learn what these trims offer you, and hopefully, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll want in your 2021 Chevy Silverado. That way, when you head down to Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick, your Lexington Silverado dealer, you’ll know just what to ask to see. Each truck offers something different, from a basic truck with the luxuries most demanded by today’s drivers to an upper trim model with even more to offer to a four-by-four truck that can tackle the toughest trails. What’s what and who’s who? Read on to find out more…

The LT

Slotted above the Work Truck and Custom trim levels, the LT is the perfect truck for anyone that wants something more than bare-bones but not flashy. This is just the average truck for the average buyer, available with a fuel-efficient 2.7-liter four-cylinder, as well as the legendary 3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder from Duramax. Most buyers will swap the standard four-cylinder for the available 5.3-liter V8, however, as it is the most popular engine across the Silverado line.

The LT also comes with the Convenience Package, having such features as Dual Zone Climate Control, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, and Remote Start. Buyers will find an electric rear window defroster and front seat heaters for those cold mornings, standard on the LT. A theft-deterrent system is standard too, no need to search for aftermarket alternatives. The LT trim level gives buyers a great baseline for what a modern truck ought to offer and does so. However, for those seeking something a little higher on the pecking order, look no further than…

A blue 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is driving past a vineyard.

The LTZ

You won’t find any four cylinders here. The popular 5.3-liter V8 is the standard engine. While the diesel V6 is available like it is on the LT, one engine not offered in that lower trim level is the massive 6.2-liter V8 that generates a road ripping 420 horsepower. Depending on the engine under the hood, you’ll have either an eight or ten-speed automatic transmission for increased performance and fuel economy. A larger 170 amp alternator is standard, as well as a trailer monitoring system. This system allows you to use a system of cameras to make sure your trailer is staying on track behind you. Also on offer is a trailer tire monitoring system that lets you know if your trailer tires are losing air.

In terms of the interior, the LTZ gives you heated and cooled seats with power adjustments for both the driver and passenger seats. When it comes to charging or powering your devices, this trim level offers you both a bed-mounted and cabin-installed 120-volt style house plug. This ensures you won’t need to lug around adapters to keep you and your family connected when far from civilization. There are also plenty of USB ports throughout the cabin for charging your smartphone.

Adaptive Cruise Control is available on this trim level as opposed to the other two in this list, making it a great truck for road trips. Trips anywhere will be much more comfortable thanks to the standard Driver Memory feature. This feature allows you to create profiles for two drivers that will remember where the seat and mirror adjustments are, saving the need to readjust each time someone drives the truck. The LTZ is the perfect truck for anyone who wants a more luxury-oriented model while still having a vehicle capable of doing hard work day in, day out. However, some people don’t want only luxury in their truck. They want a truck that can go anywhere without reservation. Chevy has just the truck for those seeking adventure.

The LT Trail Boss

As the name of this trim implies, this truck is designed to tackle tough off-road trails and do so with the spirit and performance that Chevy four by fours have always been known for. The Trail Boss offers only two engines, both V8s seen in the other trims above, those being the 5.8-liter and the 6.2-liter. These engines come with a 10-speed automatic transmission for the ultimate adjustability of performance on the trails. What you won’t find in the regular LTZ is the four by four system offered on the Trail Boss. You’ll find a two-inch lift and high-performance shocks on the Z71 package that comes as standard. You’ll find trim exclusive 18 inch wheels with Wrangler Dura-Trac Off-Road spec tires.

Inside, the owner of an LT Trail Boss will find a spacious and well-appointed cabin featuring a power-operated driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, and rear seats with ample built-in storage containers underneath the cushions. This trim also features the trailer monitoring system seen on the LTZ.

Available on the LT Trail Boss are lockable storage boxes built into the bed with metal tie-down loops incorporated into the sidewalls of the bed itself to make transporting cargo all the easier. Also aiding this is the available Multiflex Tailgate. A middle panel built into the tailgate can be folded up to create a convenient cargo stop or dropped to make a step into the bed, or simply make it easier to access things far back in the bed that a normal tailgate might have otherwise have impeded.

A red 2021 Chevy Silverado 15000 LT Trail Boss is driving in front of a logging pile.

Safety Features Across All Three Trims

No matter what version of the Silverado you get, these features come as standard for your peace of mind:

  • Anti-Lock Brakes- This system keeps your wheels from locking up by modulating brake pressure to a wheel that has stopped rotation.
  • Stability Control- This will modulate throttle input to allow you to remain in control of the truck when handling past its limits.
  • Airbags- Front, Side, and Overhead.
  • Seatbelt Pretensioners- Automatically tightens seat belts to keep occupants in place during an accident.
  • Theft Deterrent System- This can keep the truck from turning on by cutting ignition if anything other than the factory key is used to turn the ignition barrel.

So Many Choices

The LT, LTZ, and LT Trail Boss trims give the Chevy Silverado buyer lots of choices when it comes to what they want in their truck purchase. The LT is a great baseline for a truck that will be perfect as a daily driver with enough comforts to give off the impression that this is a passenger car with a bed in terms of ride quality and general comfort features. The LTZ goes one step above that by offering more power-operated choices and luxury features. The LT Trail Boss is the best choice for someone wanting an off-road capable machine without having to sacrifice comfort in the process.

All in all, the Silverado in any of these three trims offer you what you want most out of your pickup truck. The beauty of Chevy is the ability to customize your vehicle to fit your wants and needs, and the Chevy Silverado LT, LTZ, and LT Trail Boss are only a few examples of how niche you can make your truck. With an excellent array of features and available engines, you are sure to find a truck that makes you happy when you look for a 2021 Chevy Silverado.